Hundreds of jobs at risk in Carlsberg Marston’s Brewery closure plan

Hundreds of jobs are under threat after Carlsberg Britvic unveiled proposals to close a Staffordshire base.

The British arm of Danish beer giant Carlsberg plans to shut its Burton upon Trent-based Marston’s Brewery and a logistics operation next summer.

The move is set to affect 310 workers and comes almost 200 years after beer was first made in the town.

Carlsberg said the plans have been driven by structural decline in the ale category and a “need to create greater long-term value” from the group.

Bosses added it will continue to make brands including Hobgoblin, McEwan’s and Brooklyn, but will look to sell some of its other cask and regional ale brands.

Paul Davies, Carlsberg Britvic chief executive, said: “I am very aware this news will have come as a shock for colleagues, as I recognise the impact of this proposal is significant.

“While we remain proud of the role we have played in supporting and investing in the ale category overall, the stark reality is that UK cask ale volumes have more than halved in less than a decade, and this trend looks set to continue across the UK.

“It is my role to ensure Carlsberg Britvic’s multi-beverage portfolio is focused where consumers are today, and where customer demand is growing.”

He added the brewery and its logistics operation are expected to operate during a transition period while it works through a consultation process.

In 2020, Marston’s and Carlsberg announced a merger to create the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, which included breweries and distribution sites but not its pubs.

Carlsberg initially owned 60 per cent of the joint venture but bought Marston’s out completely in 2024, allowing Marston’s to focus entirely on its pub business.

John Marston started his brewery company in Burton in 1834, before relocating to the current brewery site on Shobnall Road in 1898.

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